Meaning

Upon observation, students settle primarily because either an authority figure requires them to do so, or their peers insist they be quiet. It appears the drive is extrinsic and not intrinsic and students need to see how they have a vested interest.

Reflecting back on today's sex ed lessons, the arena that captured the most attention was the discussion about rape. When I asked how many students knew of someone who has been raped close to one half of the hands shot up. We were amazed. Then we asked students to share a story that would make a difference to the class, teach us something, help us understand what we need to do, learn a lesson from it. A couple of students shared. Students sat riveted and engaged. Today, questions were generated from a well of concern, fear, and need to know more. Students participated openly sharing their views, layering more questions. It was an open forum. The best of teaching because I hear thinking, synthesizing, and assessing happening. The information became real to 90 students. Students teaching each other.

I felt we could have spent more time discussing this topic, and one teacher even suggested having a professional demonstration of female self-defense. I hope at high school the students continue to explore the topic in Human Growth and Development.

After classes were over, the young ladies carried on being 8th grade girls, teasing, laughing, giggling, talking endlessly, and teasing boys.

I was talking to my student teacher today requesting she create a curriculum/standard based lesson that she is passionate about teaching, that it be meaningful (burning desire to teach) thereby engendering excitement making the need to learn contagious and eliminating a majority of behavior issues. The other half is finding the meaningful hook for students.

Life is good